Everything you need to know about getting to the dig
Whether you’ve decided to experience what it’s really like to be an archaeologist and will be joining us in the trenches, or simply want to come and have a look at what we’re doing, this page contains all of the information we think you’ll need to know before the dig. If you’re joining us on site, please make sure you read it carefully, and if you have any questions please do feel free to get in touch with us before you arrive.
You can also click What’s On to see which events are on, and when.
Registering for the dig is easy! It’s taking place from 31ist July – 11th August 2018 (excluding Monday 6th August, which is a rest day).
No previous experience is necessary (we love a newbie!), and there’s no need to bring your own tools – just yourself, a packed lunch, some weather appropriate clothing and plenty of enthusiasm!
Ready? Just click the link below and select which days you’d like to join us for:
West Northwood Farm
St Neot
PL14 6QN
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Each day, we start with an archaeological briefing at 9:00 am. We can’t get you digging until you’ve completed it, so please arrive in plenty of time. This is especially important on your first day, as you will also need to be there for the health & safety briefing.
The dig takes places every day from 31st July – 11th August 2018 (excluding Monday 6th August).
There are also Open Days on Sunday 5th and Sunday 12th August. Click What’s On for more info.
The roads leading to West Northwood Farm are narrow and twisty. Please respect the neighbours and drive with care. Note the passing places as you may need them!
Approaching from St Neot.
With the church on your left take the left turn up Liskeard Hill to Wenmouth Cross (approx 1 mile).
At the crossroads turn sharp left signposted for Bolventor. Pass a turning on the left and take the first right (350 yards).
Continue on this road for 1.3 Cornish miles (it seems a lot longer) and turn right into the parking area at West Northwood Farm.
This will be signposted. Please park diagonally in the space on your right below the farmhouse. Mind the pot hole on the way in!
Parking will be signposted in a dedicated area just below the farmhouse. From there, the Site HQ can be accessed by walking up the garden path.
Every morning at 9am, at the Site HQ at West Northwood Farm – just outside the conservatory at the farm. It is a covered area with facilities to wash your hands.
Optional items
We have all the archaeological tools you’ll need, including trowels, kneeling pads and hand shovels. But if you have your own, feel free to bring them along.
You might also want to bring a notebook and, if you have one, an archaeology skills passport (available to buy online).
Late joiners should introduce themselves to Chris Casswell for health and safety instructions.
Site telephone: 07497 384 211
Owners
Nick and Jenny Hart
01579 320683
St Neot Local Historians Project Manager
Martin Eddy
01208 821613
Site First Aid Officer
Emily Stammitti-Campbell
Site telephone :07497 384 211
West Northwood Farm is situated on the southern slopes of Bodmin Moor in the parish of St. Neot. With distant views to the sea, the site is part of a Bronze Age settlement that includes several roundhouses and a field system. This year, our aim is to excavate two of them.
Last year’s dig revealed extensive re-use of the round house during the Iron Age and we seek to build upon that knowledge.
As well as yourself, this year’s dig will host the local poets and writers, home educated young people and Young Farmers who will be tasked to build a small roundhouse for grain storage.
Training will be ‘on the job’. On the first day, the DigVentures team will take you through the health and safety plan and an introduction to the site archaeology. You will be shown some finds that you could expect to find (prehistoric pottery and flint). You will also be taught excavation, drawing and finds processing, etc as the project proceeds.
